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January 23, 2008

Judge to hear testimony in foster care lawsuit

PROVIDENCE -- A federal judge will hear testimony as he considers whether to dismiss a lawsuit alleging that the state's foster care system is broken and fails to protect children from abuse.

State child advocate Jametta Alston and national advocacy group Children's Rights filed the suit last year on behalf of the roughly 3,000 children in state custody.

Last week, U.S. District Judge Ronald Lagueux questioned whether the suit is in the best interest of the children. He's asked for testimony today from adults representing seven children in the lawsuit to determine if they have legal standing to sue on behalf of the minors.

The state also says some of the issues raised in the federal civil rights complaint are best left to the Family Court.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Jack Perry  at 7:02 AM | Permalink

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